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In-Depth

Depression (major depression)

Definition

• Mental health: What's normal, what's not Mental health vs. mental illness — Find out how mental illnesses are diagnosed and defined.

Risk factors

• Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap Depression in women — Learn what factors may set the stage for their increased risk.
• Stress symptoms: Effects on your body and behavior Stress symptoms — Learn how stress can affect your health so that you can take action.
• Empty nest syndrome: Tips for coping Empty nest syndrome — Understand how to deal with sadness after your last child leaves home.

Symptoms

• Male depression: Understanding the issues Male depression — Understand symptoms, consequences and coping skills.
• Symptom Checker Use this Symptom Checker to pinpoint possible causes of your medical symptoms.
• Depression self-assessment Take this depression self-assessment to help learn whether you have symptoms of depression.

Tests and diagnosis

• Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) tests Cytochrome P450 tests — Overview covers definition, results of tests analyzing effectiveness of certain antidepressants.

Complications

• Suicide and suicidal thoughts Suicide and suicidal thoughts — Comprehensive overview covers warning signs, causes, risks and treatment.

Treatments and drugs

• Antidepressants: Safe during pregnancy? Antidepressants are central to treating depression — but during pregnancy, it's important to weigh the risks.
• Serotonin syndrome Serotonin syndrome — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatment of condition caused by too much medication.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy — Overview covers definition, risks and results of this mental health treatment.
• Family therapy Family therapy — Overview covers definition, benefits and what to expect.
• Delayed ejaculation Delayed ejaculation — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of delayed or absent ejaculation.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation Transcranial magnetic stimulation — Overview covers definition, risks, results of this procedure to treat depression.
• Antidepressants for children and teens Get the facts about antidepressants and children with these common questions and answers.
• Psychotherapy Psychotherapy — Overview covers definition, risks and results of this mental health treatment.
• Atypical antidepressants Atypical antidepressants — Here's how these antidepressants work and possible side effects.
• Mental health providers: Tips on finding one Mental health providers — Find one to suit your needs.
• Dealing with depression Dealing with depression can be frustrating. But depression can be treated effectively with the right approach.
• Breast-feeding and medications: What's safe? Breast-feeding and medications — Understand which medications are safe to take while breast-feeding.
• Vagus nerve stimulation Vagus nerve stimulation — Overview covers definition, risks, results of this procedure.
• Deep brain stimulation Deep brain stimulation — Overview covers definition, risks, results of this neurological condition treatment.
• Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you Antidepressants — Explore options to treat depression.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) SSRIs — Learn how this popular type of antidepressant works and about its side effects.
• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SNRIs — How these antidepressants work and possible side effects.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants — How these antidepressants work and possible side effects.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOIs — Learn about the benefits, side effects and risks of these older antidepressants.
• Treatment-resistant depression Treatment-resistant depression — Explore options when depression doesn't improve.
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) — Overview covers definition, risks, results of this treatment for depression.
• Antidepressants: Get tips to cope with side effects Antidepressants — Side effects are common, but don't give up without trying these coping tips.

Lifestyle and home remedies

• Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms Depression symptoms often improve with exercise. Here are tips to help you get started.
• Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box Seasonal affective disorder treatment — Get tips for choosing a light therapy box.
• Sleep tips: 7 steps to better sleep Better sleep can be yours! Consider sleep tips for the weary.
• Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress Meditation — Learn quick and easy ways to meditate, no matter where you are.
• Mediterranean diet recipes These healthy and appealing recipes will get you hooked on the Mediterranean diet.

Alternative medicine

• Treatment-resistant depression Treatment-resistant depression — Explore options when depression doesn't improve.
• Pet therapy: Man's best friend as healer Pet therapy isn't just fun and games. A growing field, animal-assisted therapy has proven health benefits.
• Mindfulness exercises: How to get started Mindfulness exercises — Understand ways to practice mindfulness.

Coping and support

• Depression: Supporting a family member or friend Depression — How to help a family member or friend dealing with this serious mental health condition.
• Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness Mental health: Recognize and cope with the stigma of mental illness.
• Support groups: Make connections, get help Support groups connect people facing similar challenges. Members share experiences and advice.

Prevention

• Caregiver depression: Prevention counts Caregiver depression — Find out how to prevent and cope with caregiver depression.

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